New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller will not play in the team's opener this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport.
Spiller is expected to miss the first game but is likely to return against the Buccaneers in week two. Spiller is recovering from a minor knee surgery that he had in August. Spiller signed with the Saints in March for $18 million over four years. He is a former first round pick with the Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans is his second team since arriving to the league.
Last season with Buffalo, Spiller only played nine games and managed only 300 yards rushing. The Saints are hoping to get the 2012 Spiller, who rushed for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns. That season Spiller averaged six yards per carry. Saints head coach Sean Payton would love to see that productivity from his new back, but is unlikely as the Saints usually use a rotation.
The Saints have Mark Ingram who will be in his fifth season with the Saints since being drafted in the first round in 2011. Last season Ingram rushed for 964 yards and nine touchdowns, and he is likely to lead the backfield for the Saints again. The Saints also have Khiry Robinson and Tim Hightower, two backs with experience handling the ball. The Saints tend to ride the hot hand, so while they will start the season with Ingram, whoever makes an impact will likely get more carries.
Spiller will likely be missed the first game against a tough Arizona Cardinals defense, but the Saints are going in to Glendale, Ariz., with a solid starting running back and two strong backups.
